What about grabbing the plant at the base and gently
lifting slightly to "cut back" the root system. Won't that
"retard" the growth.

Also some of the giants work well in slow grow tanks --
although they eventually get big, it can take a long time
and for many months you can enjoy the smaller slowly
growing specimen. I only keep Marble Queens in my plodding
15 gallon tank.

Scott H.
--- John Wheeler <jcwheel76 at yahoo_com> wrote:

Andrew,

Be aware that Echinodorus uruguayensis is not by any
definition a medium plant. It will top off at around
30-36" tall and need 2 sq feet (or more preferably) to
develop fully. The roots will fill the bottom of a 4'
tank in a year or so-- 1.5 years without CO2. Aside
from the chain swords, the Echinodorus sp.' with
strap-like leaves are GIANTS. They won't fit in a 30'
tank...

If it won't fit in a 30' tank, then it IS a big plant. But seriously, I
could have got myself into a lot of trouble (if I ever get the opportunity
that is). Thanks for steering me clear (even if that was not your
intention).

Maybe they could be grown in an indoor pond... A nice centerpiece to a
house. A big Amazonian bog. to drown the unwary sleepwalker. Fill it with
Black Pirahnas for greater effect.

You can keep it smaller by trimming off old leaves,
but usually only works for a while before beggining to
stunt the plant IME. Amano does this with great
success, but I don't know how long he maintains them
like that.

E. uruguayensis is a *magnificent* plant, but it needs
some room.... and forget growing anything around it
that needs any kind of light:)

Near-disaster averted there...
Amazing how I completely convinced myself to overlook the fact that half
my plants weren't going to fit...
I don't want to spend a lot of time trimming, I just want plants to grow
naturally (also I don't mind if they start to grow emersed, as long as
they don't stop growing underwater/die/turn a funny colour or something).